STORE REVIEW: MOOD FOOD FLIGHT DECK CAMBRIDGE

Just beyond the southern end of the Cambridge Aerodrome runway, where planes descend low over Kennedy Drive on approach to Hobart Airport, a service station has begun to behave less like a pit stop and more like a destination.

Mood Food Flight Deck Cambridge opened earlier this year following a $5.5 million redevelopment that transformed what had once been a small, unmanned fuel site into one of the most distinctive convenience destinations in Tasmania. There are 90 fuel hoses beneath one of the largest service station canopies in Australia, six outdoor payment terminals and a compact retail offer built around fresh food, barista coffee and a real sense of atmosphere.

But the most intriguing feature may be upstairs, explains Troy Bennett, CEO of Bennett’s Petroleum.

“Visitors have been loving the chance to sit up on the flight deck, enjoying lunch or a coffee while catching a glimpse of planes passing overhead, a real sensory experience that combines great views, quality food and a setting unlike any other service station in the country.”

The site sits just two minutes from Hobart International Airport and only seconds from one of Tasmania’s busiest highways, making it as convenient as can be.

History repeating

Mood Food Cambridge draws inspiration from a piece of local aviation history. Hobart Airport’s former terminal once featured an observation deck where families and travellers gathered to watch aircraft arrive and depart. That memory became the foundation for the Flight Deck concept.

The outdoor seating area carries subtle French influences through its lighting and décor, while indoors the atmosphere leans into a richer, warmer palette inspired by Moulin Rouge-style interiors.

As aircraft fly overhead, and barista-made lattes are poured, Bennett explains he believes that every store in a network should offer a different design and vibe.

“Locations are all different based on their customer base – every site should be its own art piece in the collection. If the coffee is good and the value is there, you’re on the right track,” says Bennett.

That philosophy has become central to the broader Mood Food network, now eleven stores strong under Bennett’s Petroleum. While larger Mood Food sites may offer more expansive retail floors, the Cambridge location deliberately embraces a smaller footprint, while delivering the expected service, comfort, and security.

Fuel first, but not fuel only

For commercial drivers, four outdoor payment terminals operate around the clock, allowing customers to refuel quickly without entering the store if they choose. Once the retail offer closes, the remaining terminals continue providing 24-hour fuel access.

The store itself operates from 5am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6am to 8pm on weekends, employing 20 staff members.

Yet even with the scale of the fuel infrastructure, the emphasis inside remains firmly on food and hospitality. Classic bain-marie offerings sit alongside freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and roast meats, all cooked and assembled daily in-store.

Troy Page, Retail Operations Manager, says sandwiches, salads and roast meats are all cooked and prepared daily in-store to ensure top-quality food is available all day.

“The menu strikes a balance between healthy options and classic fried favourites – a combination that works well in a convenience store setting.”

That balance extends into the drinks category, where customer demand continues shifting rapidly.

“The drinks range continues to expand, with brands responding to growing demand for sugar-free and protein-based options.

“The protein category in particular has seen significant growth over the past 12 months, whether in snack bar or flavoured milk form,” says Page, however value continues to remain important.

“Customers are increasingly drawn to value for money deals, particularly two-for and three-for offers or discounted single items.”

The human element

Across Australia’s fuel and convenience industry, automation increasingly dominates the customer experience. Self-checkouts, app-based payments and unmanned sites continue spreading across metropolitan and regional networks alike.

Mood Food is moving in a different direction.

“That same emphasis on human connection carries through to the customer experience,” Bennett says.

“At a time when self-service is becoming the new norm across the fuel retail industry, Mood Food continues to invest in genuine, friendly service.

“The belief is simple: being served by another person and being served well – still matters. That starts internally – listening to staff, investing time in the people you employ, and always hiring on attitude before skill.

“The expectation is mutual: no task is asked of a team member that a manager wouldn’t do themselves.”

Strong supplier relationships form another part of the operation’s culture. Monthly meetings with partners are treated as essential rather than optional, helping maintain communication and strengthen long-term collaboration.

“Strong supplier relationships sit at the heart of the Mood Food operation,” Page says. “Monthly catchups keep communication open and partnerships tight – something the Bennett’s Petroleum team considers non-negotiable.”

More than a pit-stop

There is a temptation within the P&C channel to measure success purely through speed: faster transactions, quicker refuelling, shorter dwell times.

Mood Food Cambridge seems designed around a different idea. While efficiency still matters – the fuel site operates around the clock, handles heavy traffic volumes, and caters to commercial drivers – there’s an emphasis on connection.

“Mood Food Cambridge isn’t just a place to fill up and move on,” Bennett says. “For a lot of people, it’s becoming regular destination to visit and enjoy!”

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